VIRGINIA RFC Virginia RFC U14s Edge Top of the Table Clash
Virginia RFC U14s travelled to Co Antrim to take on Carrickfergus in a top of the table clash in the Ulster Premier League. Both teams came to the game having won 4/4 so far so a titanic encounter was expected on the shores of Belfast Lough.
A evenly matched game ensued, with Virginia having to work hard for territory due to the ferocious tackling of their hosts, and giving away far to much territory due to poor tackling of their own. The early set plays also went the way of Carrick, but it was Virginia who opened the scoring. A quick ball of the back of a ruck by Daniel McConnan put Jamie Davidson in space, and his offload allowed Nial Preston to break a couple of tackles and run in under the posts from just outside the 22. Martin O’Connells conversion meant Virginia led 7-0.
Carrick spent much of the rest of the first half pressuring. Some great tackling though by the visitors kept them at bay. Ronan McKeown, Adrian Lynch and Rioghan Smith all made crucial stops, but the penalty count was mounting. One transgression too many by Virginia led to Jamie being unlucky to receive a yellow card. Carrick couldn’t break the Virginia line though and settled for a penalty to make it 3-7 at half time.
Carrick continued where they left off at the beginning of the second half and again the visitors were on the back foot. Heroic defence though again saw Virginia keep their try line intact. Ryan Shiels and Michael McKeon-Boyle, and Nial were immense through the middle, and if the ball went out to their backs Adam Charters, Aaron Kierans, Mark McSharry, and Paddy Gordon pressured the Carrick attack making tackles and forcing errors. Carricks backs though were excellent, and but for three timely try saving tackles from Luke Tierney at full back they would of been ahead.
As the half wore on, Virginia started to get a bit more territory as their forwards began to pressure the scrum, with Evan Charters and Aaron Hawthorne taking advantage of a tiring Carrick front row. Cai Walker again disrupted any possession the hosts had, and Niall Carolan almost went over for a try, just being caught and forced into touch. With ten minutes to go, Virginia again found themselves in their own 22, but a clearing kick was chased down by Martin and despite being brought down he wasn’t held and was able to go in under the posts. His conversion meant they led by 11 pts. Robert Lochaden came on for Cai at the death, but a penalty for Virginia was put into touch to close out a 14-3 victory. Thanks to to Jason Henderson and Cian Doughty who traveled but didn’t get a game today.
No trys conceded for two games is testament to the lads commitment in defence, work still to be done going forward though. Next game is Sat 22nd at The Deerpark when they host Rainey Old Boys, the Qualifying Team are also at home to Instonians.
Virginia Under 18 girls travel to Ballymoney for Ulster Girls Youth Blitz
On Sunday 16th November, the under 18 girls travelled to Ballymoney for the third Ulster Girls blitz of the season. After a long bus journey it took the girls a while to settle into their first match against Malone. This proved to be an evenly matched event with both sides fighting hard for possession. Amy Whitley broke through for the first score of the match, followed quickly by a second try from Laura Keogan. Malone fought back and added a try just before the final whistle. Final score 2 – 1 in Virginia’s favour.
Virginia’s second match was against the host team Ballymoney, and Virginia dominated from the start, with three tries in succession from Leah Gregory. Laura Keogan broke through for a well placed try in the corner. Ciara Brown added a further try and Leah Gregory added her fourth to finish the match 6 – 0.
Thanks to Ballymoney for their hospitality and well done on another successful blitz.
Team: Keelin Brady, Megan Brodie, Ciara Brown, Niamh Daly, Leah Gregory, Megan Higgins, Laura Keogan, Justine McCabe, Cáolinn McCormack, Tara O’Reilly, Rebecca Warren, Amy Whitley, Sara Whitley, Diana Whyte & Victoria Whyte.
Next weekend sees both the under 15’s and 18’s girls host Enniskillen at home for a league match.
